Stories

Just outside of Reedsport, Oregon, there is a series of wide meadows along the Umpqua River that form a year-round environment for a herd of about 100 Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti). Jointly managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Federal Bureau of Land Management, this area provides a marvelous opportunity to safely view Oregon’s largest land mammal from a very close vantage point. These animals are the largest of the four subspecies of elk in North America and are found along the Pacific coast from northern California to Alaska.

The pursuit of Dungeness crabs along the Oregon coast is popular with locals and visitors alike. Practically every river that empties into the Pacific Ocean in Oregon has a town nestled at its mouth, and that town likely has a public fishing dock and a marina or bait shop that will provide everything needed for crabbing. The tiny village of Winchester Bay at the mouth of the Umpqua River is a fine example and a great place to try crabbing.

Arch Rock is a massive natural rock arch standing alone in the Pacific Ocean. Many picnic tables shaded under the coastal forest sit nearby for anyone looking to enjoy a pleasant picnic along the southern Oregon coast. From the parking lot a small loop trail winds around the cliff edge, providing awesome views of the coast and of Arch Rock.

Natural Bridges Viewpoint is a necessary stop if you are traveling through Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Within 200 feet from Highway 101 visitors will be able to witness one of nature’s phenomena, natural sea arches. At this viewpoint there just happens to be two! Unfortunately, there is only one location with a good view of the small cove and natural bridges due to the steep cliffs and closures for nesting shorebirds.

Just last year, Charlie Van Meter was brewing tiny 20-gallon batches of beer from his tap room in Yachats. Today, he’s producing about 200 gallons of experimental ales from the new seven-barrel custom brewhouse at Yachats Brewing + Farmstore, positioned midway between Newport and Florence on the Central Coast. “We’re busier than we thought we’d be,” says Van Meter, the brewmaster who came on board…

As you stroll along Rockaway Beach’s laid-back main street — amidst the ice cream shop, candy shop, pizza shop and vintage treasure shops — don’t be startled when you stumble onto what looks like a circus. The bubble machine, sandbox, mini volcanoes and blaring punk music are part of the zany ambiance at the mini golf course designed in summer 2016 by the owners of…

There’s a whole lot of coastline out here, and it’s ripe for exploring on foot this fall — when the air is clean and crisp and the crowds of summer have gone. Specifically, there’s 101 miles of rugged coastline between Reedsport and Brookings on Oregon’s South Coast, dubbed the Wild Rivers Coast because of the pristine nature of the Umpqua, Coquille, Rogue and Chetco rivers…

Crissey Field State Recreation Site Beach is the southernmost beach in Oregon, making it the first or last beach when entering or leaving the state. A large field of driftwood sits on the back edge of this beach, likely from trees carried down the Winchuck River and then washed back onto the beach. A land bridge exists in the summer and connects this beach to Winchuck Beach. This state recreation site also has a new building showcasing some of the best in green technology while acting as an Oregon Welcome Center.

Though it’s a relatively new addition to Oregon’s extensive collection of state parks, L.L. Stub Steward State Park is well on its way to becoming one of Oregon’s premiere destinations for those with an affinity for camping with horses. This 1,654-acre swath of land—situated just 34 miles west of Portland and sandwiched between two small towns—serves up just about every type of adventure imaginable, including an extensive network of horseback riding trails.